I didn't realize these were so small but we actually love that about them! I purchased 2, one for my dad and one for us. He ended up using his right away after a snow storm. The reception is good, cell phone charger and light is good. Everyone is really happy with these. I will probably buy more to put at the office and in the car. Recommended!
I've had this for about a week and so far so good. I leave it in a sunny place and haven't had to crank it. The reception is awesome - much better than my standard radio in my garage. There is no cable to charge your cell phone, however. If you don't have one, you will have to buy one to charge your phone.
I haven't HAD to use it yet, but will come in handy in an emergency. Radio has good sound. Light is OK, but not very bright. Good for it's size though. The crank is easy to use, and only takes a few to get charged. I think this is a good buy for the money.
As usual, LL Bean's service is superb, but not so the FR160. After 5 consecutive days in full sunlight the battery is not charged enough to operate the radio or the light. The dynamo works fine for both but it will not charge my Motorola cell phone. The manual mentions a charger, but no information is given as to the size required or how to order one. Further, no information is given regarding the battery pack, which like ALL batteries, will eventually need replacing. Like most battery packs it is probably not available locally because of it's voltage, size and shape but I really have not tried to find one. Finally, the dynamo will operate the light if the battery is removed or damaged, but not the radio. This simply is not a well designed 'survival' product. I intend to keep it, but only as an expendable toy that I can tinker with and try to improve upon.
